Rugged tablets have become an essential tool for businesses that operate in harsh environments and those that require devices that can withstand heavy use. In this blog, we will discuss how to choose the best-rugged tablet for your industry, and why it is important to make an informed decision.
According to a study by VDC Research, the global market for rugged tablets is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2020 to 2025. This growth is largely driven by industries such as transportation, logistics, and manufacturing, which require rugged devices that can withstand harsh environments and heavy use. Rugged tablets, also known as a heavy-duty or tough tablets, are specialised mobile devices designed to withstand harsh environments and demanding work conditions by offering rugged protection. These ruggedized tablets feature reinforced frames, shock-resistant casing, and excellent internal storage. They are drop tested and have waterproofing capabilities, making them highly durable and reliable. Rugged tablets are particularly useful for businesses operating in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, and field service, where workers need rugged tablets that can handle exposure to dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, and rough handling.
The best-rugged tablets offer superior durability and performance compared to standard consumer tablets. Whether you need a tablet for manufacturing, or the best tablet for working in the field or outdoors, rugged tablets provide a durable and dependable solution. With their indestructible build and waterproof capabilities, the rugged tablet offers greater flexibility and mobility, enabling workers to access critical data and applications while on the go. By using ruggedized tablets, businesses can improve productivity, reduce downtime, and lower overall costs by avoiding frequent device repairs and replacements.
Using A Rugged Tablet In A Business Setting
Rugged tablets are highly versatile devices that can be used across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and logistics to retail and beyond. Here are some examples of how these devices play a role in specific industries.
Industrial Manufacturing – Ruggedised tablets are commonly used on the factory floor to manage inventory, track production schedules, monitor equipment performance, or anywhere in the harshest environments. With their durable and waterproof capabilities, they can withstand exposure to dust, debris, and liquids, making them ideal for use in harsh industrial environments. In an industrial manufacturing setting, durability ratings are a crucial consideration.
Logistics Sector – Rugged tablets are used by workers to scan barcodes, manage inventory, and track shipments, improving efficiency and accuracy while reducing errors.
Wholesale and Retail Sector – Rugged tablets can be used for inventory management, price checking, and mobile point-of-sale systems, providing a versatile and durable device that can be used on the shop floor or taken on the go. With the best-rugged tablets offering tough and heavy-duty features, including reinforced frames and shock-resistant casing, they are the perfect tablet for manufacturing and the best tablets for working in the field or outdoors, providing workers with an indestructible tablet that can handle whatever challenges come their way.
Assessing Your Industry’s Needs
When assessing the types of tasks and applications that your employees will need to use the rugged tablet for, it is important to consider the software and systems that your business already uses. This will ensure compatibility and avoid any potential issues with integration.
For example, if your business uses Microsoft Office Suite, then it may be more beneficial to choose a rugged tablet that runs on a Windows operating system. On the other hand, if your business primarily uses Google Suite or other Android-compatible software, then an Android-based rugged tablet may be a better fit.
When evaluating environmental factors, it is important to consider not only the potential for exposure to water, dust, and other elements but also the level of durability required for your specific use cases. For example, if your employees will be using the rugged tablet in a construction or manufacturing environment, it may need to withstand high levels of impact and be built with reinforced corners and shock-absorbing materials.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the specific regulations and requirements of your industry. For example, in the healthcare industry, rugged tablets may need to meet specific standards for infection control and be able to withstand regular cleaning and disinfecting. In the military and law enforcement industries, rugged tablets may need to meet specific security standards and encryption protocols.
By carefully assessing your industry’s needs and requirements, you can choose the best rugged tablet that meets your business’s specific needs and ensures that your employees are equipped with the tools they need to perform their tasks safely and effectively.
Platform and Operating System
When deciding between Android and Windows operating systems for your preferred rugged rugged tablets, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Android is a popular choice for its flexibility, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of apps. It is also generally less expensive than Windows-based devices.
On the other hand, Windows offers a more robust operating system with more powerful hardware options, making it a better choice for more complex applications and tasks. It is also often the preferred choice for enterprise-level applications due to its compatibility with existing software and systems.
In addition to considering the operating system, it is important to assess the need for customisation or integration with other devices. Some rugged tablets offer the option for customisation and integration with other devices, which can be useful for specific use cases and industries.
Ultimately, the choice between Android and Windows and the need for customisation or integration will depend on your industry’s specific requirements and use cases. It is important to thoroughly assess your needs before making a decision.
Durability and Protection
Rugged tablets are designed to withstand tough conditions and provide reliable performance in harsh environments. They are built to be more durable than standard tablets, with features such as reinforced corners, protective screens, and shock-absorbing materials. These features ensure that the tablet can withstand accidental drops, impacts, and other forms of physical damage.
However, the level of ruggedness required for your industry and specific use cases may vary. For example, if you work in construction or manufacturing, you may need a rugged tablet that can withstand drops is water-resistant and can withstand exposure to dust and extreme temperatures. On the other hand, if you work in healthcare or retail, you may require a tablet that is resistant to germs and easy to clean.
In addition to physical durability, other features such as battery life and display quality are also important to consider. A rugged tablet with a long battery life can help ensure that your device stays powered throughout the day, even if you are using power-intensive applications. Display quality is also crucial, as it can impact the readability of your screen in bright sunlight or other challenging lighting conditions.
When assessing the durability and protection features of a rugged tablet, it’s essential to evaluate your industry’s needs and specific use cases. Doing so can help you identify the features that are most important for your business and ensure that you invest in the best rugged tablet that can keep up with the demands of your industry.
Battery Life and Performance
Having a reliable battery life and optimal performance are essential when choosing a rugged tablet for your business needs. As per the survey conducted by Panasonic, processing power and storage capacity were also considered critical factors for almost 50% and 44% of the respondents, respectively.
To ensure that your rugged tablet can keep up with the demands of your industry, you should assess the battery life needed for your specific use cases. For instance, if your employees will be using the device for long periods without access to power sources, you may need to consider a rugged tablet with extra long battery life. Moreover, you should also evaluate the processing power and performance requirements of the applications and software you will be using. The tablet’s processing power should be able to handle the software and tasks you need to run seamlessly. Similarly, having enough storage capacity and expandability options will ensure that you can store and access the data you need when you need it.
Considering these factors will help you choose a rugged tablet that can handle the demands of your industry and ensure that your employees can work efficiently and effectively, even when they are out in the field.
Warranty and Support
Having a warranty that covers accidental loss or damage is crucial when investing in a rugged tablet for your business. It’s important to assess the warranty options and level of customer support provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you are covered in case of unexpected issues.
A warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship, but some manufacturers offer additional coverage for accidental damage. It’s essential to read the warranty policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered. Some warranties may have specific exclusions or limitations, so it’s important to clarify any questions you may have before making your purchase.
In addition to a warranty, it’s also important to consider the level of customer support provided by the manufacturer. A knowledgeable and responsive support team can assist you with any technical issues you may encounter and offer guidance on how to make the most of your rugged tablet. It’s a good idea to research the manufacturer’s reputation for customer service and read reviews from other customers to get a better sense of what to expect.
When considering a rugged tablet for your business, it’s essential to invest in a device that meets your specific industry needs and comes with proper support. By assessing the warranty options and level of customer support provided by the manufacturer, you can ensure that your investment is protected and that you have reliable assistance in case of unexpected issues.
Screen Performance Matters For A Reliable Rugged Tablet
A reliable tough tablet must have a screen that is not only durable but also easy to read and responsive to touch.
Here are some key reasons why screen performance matters for a reliable rugged tablet:
- Visibility in various lighting conditions
In many industries, employees need to use rugged tablets outdoors or in other bright environments. A high-quality screen with good brightness and contrast levels will ensure that the display remains visible and easy to read in various lighting conditions. This is crucial for workers who need to access important information quickly and accurately.
According to a study conducted by VDC Research, the top feature that companies look for in rugged tablets is sunlight readability, with 62% of respondents rating it as important or very important.
- Responsiveness and accuracy of touch
Another important factor in screen performance is touch responsiveness and accuracy. In industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics, workers need to interact with the tablet quickly and efficiently. A screen that responds accurately to touch inputs is essential for ensuring productivity and reducing errors.
In a survey conducted by Zebra Technologies, 96% of respondents rated touch accuracy as important or very important in rugged tablets.
- Durability and resistance to damage
Of course, the screen of a rugged tablet must also be durable and resistant to damage. Drops, impacts, and exposure to water or dust can all damage a screen and render a tablet unusable. A reliable rugged tablet must have a screen that is not only tough but also resistant to scratches, cracks, and other forms of damage.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global rugged tablet market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028, driven in part by increasing demand for durable and reliable screens. to choose a block
For those using tablets in rugged and challenging environments, the display performance is an important factor. The quality of the screen can be affected by excessive exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, and even dust or sand particles. At Conker, we use screens with advanced anti-glare coatings that provide optimal visibility in extreme conditions.
Conker as a Provider of Rugged Devices
Choosing the best rugged tablet for your industry and specific use cases is crucial for ensuring that your employees have the right tools to work efficiently and productively, while also reducing downtime and costs associated with device failure or damage.
At Conker, we understand the importance of selecting the right rugged tablet for your business. That’s why we offer a range of rugged tablets and handhelds for both Android and Windows platforms, as well as wearables and accessories. Our devices are designed to be easy to use and tough, with features such as being water resistant, dustproof, and drop tested to ensure maximum durability and protection. In addition, we provide barcode scanning capabilities on our rugged tablets and handhelds to assist with inventory management and other related tasks.
In addition to our high-quality devices, we also offer a one-year warranty that covers accidental loss and damage, as well as longer warranty options to give you peace of mind. Our knowledgeable and responsive customer support team is always available to assist with any questions or issues that may arise, ensuring that you receive the best possible service and support.
We also offer a free trial program, allowing you to test our devices and ensure that they are the right fit for your business before making a purchase. By choosing Conker for your rugged tablet solutions, you can trust that you are getting reliable, efficient, and cost-effective devices that will help your business thrive.
